Weston Park Game Fair – Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September
The Club has been invited to attend – and show off the dogs – the Game Fair again this year. After a couple of years break it’ll be nice to get back out and talk to the public about the breed’s good qualities. We will be one of the British Heritage breeds in the Gundog Pavilion, where there are fenced pens which allow visitors to meet to the dogs and chat with the owners.
If you have a free day/afternoon/weekend and would like to help out at Weston Park (8 miles from J12 on the M6) please email Fiona.
Tony Sherratt writes that this event is open to IRWSs and we are very welcome.
Field Training Day
The GSA (Gordon Setter Association) is holding a Field Training day on Sunday 25th September near Pocklington, East Yorkshire.
The ground is stubble and grass. We will start at 10am and finish about 3pm.
There is a kitchen available for making drinks. Bring your own lunch.
We have space for beginners and intermediates, and those interested in learning what a Gordon was bred to do and practicing field work. Our plan is that this will encourage people to give it a go and we will support those who want to progress, perhaps to entering Field Trials.
The cost will be £20.00. One dog, one handler please.
Enquiries please to Nicky Ackerley-Kemp
yennadon@hrsupportconsultancy.co.uk
Working your Irish Red and White
The working setter is an air scenting dog who quarters the ground with pace, style and exciting exuberance in the quest to find game, quietly controlled by the handler.
There is no better sight than to see a fully trained setter quartering the moor, locating game, taking up a low stance or crouching indicating the direction with their fixed gaze with one forepaw bent. The setter waiting until the handler arrives at their side and, on command, walk forward together and, when the birds lift, the setter drops to the ground.
Historically developed to hunt wild game
Irish Red and White Setters were developed historically to hunt for wild game birds that may be hiding in the cover. The method of hunting is known as quartering and involves the dog moving from one side to another. Once the game is located the dog would then go on point and would remain steady until told by the hunter to flush the game out.
Setters don’t generally retrieve, but some handers allow it, but if competing in field trials it is never permitted.
What does the Club do?
- training days are organised in different regions to extend owners’ and dogs’ knowledge
- game fairs are attended to promote the breed
- encouragement and advice on taking your training further with professional trainers
Contact Working Secretary, Fiona Chapman, for information
